Like most fishermen I tend to accumulate gear.

I'm a multi-species guy - smallmouth, walleye, pike and muskie if I can find one. I have a lot of tackle.

In the hunt for a larger box, prefer soft side. Normally I'd just take what I need/want for the day and leave the rest behind but as we fish the Door County more and more - species and styles vary a lot in a single day. You can go from smallmouths at 19 inches to pike at 40 to King salmon, all in the same day - I need something BIG so I can bring it all.

What do you have - how do you like it?

I think I'd try two, or three smaller bags.
It might be simpler to find what you want.
Just me, and I change my mind often.

Look at this series from Cabela's. Different sizes to choose from and you can change out the Plano 3500 storage boxes to carry what you need for the day.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fish...t104793480%3Bcat104777280%3Bcat104619780

I use this Oakley back pack: http://www.oakley.com/products/kitchen-sink-backpack/92060A-001

Then use the lure dividers in various sizes. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Flambeau-Outdoors-Tuff-Tainer-Utility-Box-with-Zerust/10569386

With all the pockets, plastic dividers, and places to hang or zip tie stuff on the outside, I haven't found anything I couldn't bring with me.

Best part is that it allows you to carry it hands free if you're into hiking to rivers/streams/remote lakes. Or carry it on your back while carrying a more traditional one in each hand. Lots of capacity that way.

I'm in between RNF and Pira.

I got the Cabela's angler's backpack.

It's been from the arctic circle to Costa Rica, and never let me down.

The interchangeable storage boxes let me fish Grayling to shark.

That super magnum from Cabela's might work for me. 12 boxes or so - I can fill over 1/2 of them immediately and easily.

I've got a shelf about 6-7 feet long w/ tackle boxes....I have 1 fer yak fishing (mix of salt/fresh gear),a worm zipper type big bag, a main freshwater box, 2 saltwater boxes (1 fer BIG lures/lead and 1 fer all my other junk) not to mention x2 most of it since when I buy me something, I buy 1 fer my son!!! I have a few boxes that have left over junk and I occasionally pick through it!

I have 2 Lakewoods. Sort of a hybrid soft side / hard side tackle box. Mine have served me very well over many years. Lakewood boxes come in several different sizes, but if you really want to take it all with you, their Musky Monster should fit the bill.

Click Here

Click Here




-Designed and endorsed by Pete Maina.
-Will hold up to 100 musky and pike lures.
-Each zippered side pocket can accommodate a 3600 large plastic container (not included).
-Generous-sized zippered pocket on back holds an included 3730 large plastic container.
-Heavy-duty webbing sewn around case for strength and durability.
-Wrap around pockets for storage of tools and towels.
-Has six 2.75"x6" and twenty 2.75"x2.75" bait compartments with 74 hook grooves.

Dimensions: Approx. 24.5"L x 12.5"W x 15.25"H

I have learned a few things over the years in my search for the perfect tackle box.

If you have multiple boxes for multiple applications, you need to be sure that each of them contains ALL of the things essential for a trip - if you plan on "sharing" a few items, they will be at home when you need them.

If you go the soft-side route, be sure that the bag is waterproof.

If you place items in the outside pouches of a soft-side, be sure that they are things that you can get along without.

Shoulder straps are very useful if you enjoy portaging while off-balance.

What is the advantage of a soft side type of box over a hard side box?

Usually is easier to pack into limited space since you can mash them around a little bit. Also creates less noise when moved about the boat, thereby doing less to signal your presence to the fish and their sound detectors.

I have also found them to have a lot more room and be lighter (empty) as well.

Soft sided boxes don't get cold and brittle either.

We have the steel box my grandfather was using in 1955.
That might weigh as much as a light canoe.

I have one of those too - well the GF does from here dad. It's an anchor.